James Gunn Quashes Lanterns Image Rumours: 'That's AI'
Images of John Stewart and Hal Jordan from the upcoming Lanterns series have been dismissed as AI fabrications by DC Studios' James Gunn. The much-anticipated show is set for a 2026 release and promises a fresh take on the superhero genre.
Speculation has been swirling online after supposed images from the forthcoming Lanterns series began making the rounds. The pictures, which appeared to show Aaron Pierre as John Stewart and Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan wielding their iconic rings, quickly caught the attention of fans eager for a glimpse of the new show. However, James Gunn, co-CEO of DC Studios, was quick to set the record straight. Responding to the excitement, he commented succinctly on Threads:
Nope, that's AI.
With that, he put an end to the mounting theories about the authenticity of the images.
At present, the only official visual from Lanterns is a single image depicting John Stewart and Hal Jordan walking side by side along a road. While a trailer has been shown privately, it remains unavailable to the wider public. Those who have seen it report scenes featuring Hal in flight, a bit of back-and-forth between the two leads, and even a nod to the more unusual Green Lantern Corps member, Ch'p.
What to Expect from Lanterns
The series is scheduled to arrive in the summer of 2026, though a precise date has yet to be confirmed. Chris Mundy, the showrunner, has described the project as blending elements of a buddy cop drama with the superhero format. The dynamic between Hal and John is set to be at the heart of the narrative. Mundy elaborated on the show's central theme, saying:
Our show is in a lot of ways about replacement – when should someone step aside and when is it time for the next person to take the reins?
He went on to highlight the importance of the interplay between the two main characters, noting that much of John's strength lies in his restraint and his refusal to be drawn into unnecessary conflict:
That push and pull between those two characters is really important. So much of the power that John has is by not taking the bait, understanding that you lose your power if you’re yelling and screaming.
Looking Ahead for DC Fans
Lanterns is not the only project on the horizon for DC enthusiasts. The next major release will be Supergirl, which is set to premiere on 26 June 2026. In the meantime, viewers can keep themselves occupied by exploring the full slate of upcoming DC films and series, ensuring there is plenty to look forward to as the studio continues to expand its universe.